"Your name, sir? I shall not put you in bonds but shall parole you, because I see you are a belted knight, and you treated my brother well."
"My word!" replied Macko.
Having informed him who he was, Macko inquired whether he would be permitted to go to the hut and warn his nephew against any mad action. His request was granted. He entered and remained there for a while and emerged with the misericordia in his hands.
"My nephew is even without a sword, and he begs you to permit him to remain with his wife as long as you intend to stay here."
"Let him remain," said Arnold's brother. "I shall send him food and drink; we shall not move soon, because the people are tired out and we too are in need of refreshment and rest. Sir, we also invite you to accompany us."
Then they turned and went to the same fireplace near which Macko had spent the night. But either from pride, or from ignorance they permitted him to walk behind them. But he, being a great warrior, knowing how it ought to be, and adhering strictly to custom, inquired:
"Pray, sir, am I your guest or a prisoner?"
Arnold's brother was shamed at first; he halted and said:
"Proceed, sir."
The old knight went in front, not wishing to hurt the self-respect of the very man from whom he expected much.